VMI Rat/Dyke relationship

Motorman

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Jan 22, 2019
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When DS and I did the overnighter last year, I learned about Rats and their Dykes. It struck me as a very unique relationship that got me to wondering if other SMP/SA/ROTC programs have a similar program. I've never read or heard about this type of association at any of the other institutions. Do other places have something similar?
 
Citadel does now - there is a battalion mentor - also with in some of the elite programs like honors college, leadership scholars , STEM Scholars there are mentors as well
 
I have to admit, being a USAFA Grad, I was concerned about an improper relationship forming with the Dyke relationship to a Rat. I am now a huge supporter of this program at VMI having seen my son benefit as a Rat from his relationship to his Dyke, and then see him be a great Dyke to his Rat. I think Gen Peay has has put processes in place to make sure what was a good program at VMI, become a great program for the future of VMI cadets. Happy to chat more here or via PM.
 
I think Gen Peay has has put processes in place to make sure what was a good program at VMI, become a great program for the future of VMI cadets.

I agree. My DS is a 2nd, so he will be a Dyke next year. He has a great relationship with his Dyke and was in his wedding. I know my DS benefited a lot from the relationship and I believe his Dyke did as well.
 
Reposting what I put in another thread on how dykes are selected and the unique importance of the relationship.

If you are on D1 scholarship a lot of times the seniors on the team identified dykes on their recruiting visits or when practice kicks off a week or two before matriculation

If you knew someone from back home or meet them on a prospect visit that is another means. For all others their is a designated time at the end of hell week after everyone returns where they put all rats and firsts together and divy out.

I met my dyke over 20 years ago through a hometown friend. We built one of my longest friendships and I am lookingforward to seeing him tomorrow.

My rat is one of my three closest friends. We were in each others weddings, talk monthly and our wives are now close friends after we did an overseas tour together. That relationship is one of the most unique about VMI.
 
One of the recurring themes of the programs (whether SA/SMP/ROTC) and the military in general is that no one makes it alone. This was something seen, heard and stressed constantly on our VMI trip (even more here than the other academies we visited). The thought occurred to me that the Rat/Dyke relationship was the reinforcement of the "all of us together" mentality in a vertical format. Becoming a 1/c with accompanying privileges is a near term goal and having someone in that position "reaching down" to assist and mentor is very unique. I have friends who are alum or have kids attending who look fondly on their relationship both ways. Very cool!
 
my son is a 1st at VMI. I know that his Dyke was an important person rat year and they have stayed in touch. Being a Dyke this year, he chose his rat at the local rat send off in August prior to matriculation. They seem to have a great relationship and I know my son has been there for his rat through some non-school related trials during he ratline. I am very proud of him being there for his rat. The rat / dyke bond can be as amazing as the the brother rat bond.

I seem to notice that the classes may give each other grief, but should someone on the outside start trouble they all are the same team. Similar to siblings, they can give each other crap but if someone else does they defend and stand side by side.

It's been an amazing journey through 4 years at VMI as a parent, I can only imaging as a cadet.

I have made amazing friends with other VMI parents that I can't imagine not knowing them or having them in my life. Never ever expected life long friendships for myself to come out of my child's college choice.
 
To help explain the Rat/Dyke relationship, here is my take from discussions with DS from his Rat year a couple of years ago (not his exact words, but my interpretation): Meeting his Dyke as a Rat his feeling was "Oh crap, I have to deal with this guy in my face for a year". At the end of his 4C year when his Dyke graduated his feeling turned into "Oh crap, how am I going to make it in this place for the next three years without this guy".
 
To help explain the Rat/Dyke relationship, here is my take from discussions with DS from his Rat year a couple of years ago (not his exact words, but my interpretation): Meeting his Dyke as a Rat his feeling was "Oh crap, I have to deal with this guy in my face for a year". At the end of his 4C year when his Dyke graduated his feeling turned into "Oh crap, how am I going to make it in this place for the next three years without this guy".

sounds exactly right !!!
 
DS's grand dyke (DS's dyke's dyke) attended DS's IBOLC and Ranger school graduations, gifting DS his own cord and patch. DS also maintains close ties with his dyke and rat. A truly unique relationship.
 
my son is a 1st at VMI. I know that his Dyke was an important person rat year and they have stayed in touch. Being a Dyke this year, he chose his rat at the local rat send off in August prior to matriculation. They seem to have a great relationship and I know my son has been there for his rat through some non-school related trials during he ratline. I am very proud of him being there for his rat. The rat / dyke bond can be as amazing as the the brother rat bond.

I seem to notice that the classes may give each other grief, but should someone on the outside start trouble they all are the same team. Similar to siblings, they can give each other crap but if someone else does they defend and stand side by side.

It's been an amazing journey through 4 years at VMI as a parent, I can only imaging as a cadet.

I have made amazing friends with other VMI parents that I can't imagine not knowing them or having them in my life. Never ever expected life long friendships for myself to come out of my child's college choice.
Turtlerunnernc - any particular advice for us new VMI parents?
 
Turtlerunnernc - any particular advice for us new VMI parents?

welcome to the VMI family - it is amazing

I would say trust the system, it works. It is different from any other school, it is stressful and rewarding to see the transformation. Join the Rat mass 2020+3 parent page on facebook - tons of helpful information, run by a couple of parents of the prior rat mass who drop off usually between New Market and Parents Weekend and leave y'all to yourselves. Have your future rat lock down privacy on social media - cadre will hunt for info. Do not tag your future rat / or rata in anything over the summer and during the ratline. Have your rat choose a local church or go to chapel on post, even if they are not religous. He/she will want the break from being on post. Local churches / church families adopt rats and give them some much needed respite. If he/she chooses chapel on post the Assistant Chaplain takes them off post for several hours to a local bed and breakfast to relax ( this is what my son did). Do not deviate from the supply list - they are looking for exactly what they listed, follow the directions. send lots of Airborne, EmergenC, Dayquil / Niquil - they will absolutely get sick. Leave all the details up to your rat once you drop them off = don't call Comm Staff or the guard room to ask questions or complain (yes, people have done this - it generally doesn't turn out well for the rat). The rats will learn the system, they will know what to do and if they don't that is what they have their Dyke for. Leave the rat/ dyke relationship between the rat and the dyke.

feel free to PM me. I am glad to help / answer questions. The 4 years fly by. Seems like yesterday I was dropping my son off, in two months he will graduate. You will actually make some amazing friends. The most unexpected thing from my son's choosing VMI, was the amazing friends that I made. It is truly a family. As soon as they march out of Cameron Hall and up to Barracks you will feel that you suddenly have 500 children.
 
Turtlerunnernc - any particular advice for us new VMI parents?

welcome to the VMI family - it is amazing

I would say trust the system, it works. It is different from any other school, it is stressful and rewarding to see the transformation. Join the Rat mass 2020+3 parent page on facebook - tons of helpful information, run by a couple of parents of the prior rat mass who drop off usually between New Market and Parents Weekend and leave y'all to yourselves. Have your future rat lock down privacy on social media - cadre will hunt for info. Do not tag your future rat / or rata in anything over the summer and during the ratline. Have your rat choose a local church or go to chapel on post, even if they are not religous. He/she will want the break from being on post. Local churches / church families adopt rats and give them some much needed respite. If he/she chooses chapel on post the Assistant Chaplain takes them off post for several hours to a local bed and breakfast to relax ( this is what my son did). Do not deviate from the supply list - they are looking for exactly what they listed, follow the directions. send lots of Airborne, EmergenC, Dayquil / Niquil - they will absolutely get sick. Leave all the details up to your rat once you drop them off = don't call Comm Staff or the guard room to ask questions or complain (yes, people have done this - it generally doesn't turn out well for the rat). The rats will learn the system, they will know what to do and if they don't that is what they have their Dyke for. Leave the rat/ dyke relationship between the rat and the dyke.

feel free to PM me. I am glad to help / answer questions. The 4 years fly by. Seems like yesterday I was dropping my son off, in two months he will graduate. You will actually make some amazing friends. The most unexpected thing from my son's choosing VMI, was the amazing friends that I made. It is truly a family. As soon as they march out of Cameron Hall and up to Barracks you will feel that you suddenly have 500 children.
Thanks for all the great info!
 
At its core - VMI is about taking care of your fellow Cadets. The first place you learn that is the relationship with your Dyke. A good Dyke is the start of a good cadetship- they will guide their Rat through the tribulations of the Ratline as well as through the first year of college - both of which are pretty stressful events. By the end of your Rat year you are ready to take your place in your class - and your Dyke is ready to graduate and become a Rat in the real world. I have stayed friends with my Dyke for 40 years now ( I won’t give his name but he still works at VMI) and I talk with him frequently. I learned a lot being his Dyke and his mentor and I kind of think he got a few things from me as well. It’s a good system that has served VMI Cadets well for a long time.
 
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